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Ir^nch’s  International  Copyrighted  (in  England,  her  Colonies,  and 
e United  States)  Edition  oX  the  Works  of  the  Best  Authors 


No.  360 


The  Spirit  of  Liberty 

A PATRIOTIC  PLAY  ESPECIALLY  SUIT- 
ABLE FOR  USE  IN  SCHOOLS 


BY 

JESSIE  M.  WEBB 

AND 

LUCILLE  SCHAMBERGER 


Copyright,  1018,  by  SA^niEL  French. 


p-  A'-  AT  \Y  BE  PB^^DTICED  B'-^  AAIATKTTPC  p-'” 
OF  ROYALTY.  AI.L  OTHER  RTGTITS  ARE  RESERVED 

PRICK.  25  CENTS. 


New  York 
SAMUEL  FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

36-30  WEST  88th  Street 


London 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Ltd. 
26  Southampton  Street 
STRAND 


OAK  ST.  HDSF 


(T' 


The  Spirit  of  Liberty 

A PATRIOTIC  PLAY  ESPECIALLY  SUIT- 
ABLE FOR  USE  IN  SCHOOLS 


BY 

JESSIE  M.  WEBB 

AND 

LUCILLE  SCHAMBERGER 


Copyright,  1918,  By  Samuel  French. 


AMATEURS  MAY  PRODUCE  THIS  PLAY  WITHOUT  PAY- 
MENT OF  ROYALTY.  ALL  OTHER  RIGHTS  RESERVED 


SAMUEL  FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30  West  38th  Street 
New  York 


London 

SAMUEL  FRENCH,  Ltd. 
26  Southampton  Street 
STRAND 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


A Patriotic  Entertainment  With  Music  And 
Dances — ^Arranged  In  Two  Scenes. 


THE  CHARACTERS 

Mother. 

Pansy,  For  Youth. 

Daisy,  For  Freedom. 

Lincoln,  For  Justice. 

^ Liberty,  At  Three  Stages. 

Betsy  Ross. 

George  Washington. 


PATRIOTIC  GROUPS 

^ The  Spirit  of  1776,  represented  by  Grandfather, 
Father  and  Son. 

Soldiers  and  Sailors,  of  Today. 

The  Cuban  Republic. 

English  Dancers. 

'•  French  Dancers. 
r Polish  Dancers. 

^^TALiAN  Dancers. 

; Boys  and  Girls  of  America. 

Chorus. 

^ ' The  Scenes  Occur  in  a Nursery  at  the  Present  Time. 


3 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


EXPLANATION 

The  Spirit  of  Liberty  is  intended  for  young  boys 
and  girls,  aided  by  older  companion^,  where  it  is 
necessary  to  impersonate  the  Mother,  Grand- 
father, Washington,  etc.  Liberty  is  first 
represented  by  a child  about  6 years  old,  dressed 
in  white,  carrying  pine  fagots.  The  second  fig- 
ure of  Liberty  is  a girl  about  fifteen  years  old, 
in  white  Grecian  robe,  hands  chained.  The 
third  figure  is  a young  woman,  dressed  as  the 
statue  of  Ijberty.  This  character-  requires 
ability  to  sing.  The  early  setttlers  are  dressed 
as  Pilgrims.  The  Spirit  of  iyy6,  as  Colonials. 
The  Cuban  group,  in  native  dress.  Betsy  Ross 
in  dress  of  the  period,  and  George  W^ashing- 
TON  the  same.  Soldiers  and  sailors  in  present 
day  uniforms.  The  various  character  dancers, 
in  appropriate  dresses  of  different  periods; 
they  may  be  peasants  of  their  countries,  Wat- 
teau, or  as  varied  as  desired.  The  girls  and 
boys  of  America,  in  the  National  colors. 
Dances  of  other  nations  than  the  ones  indicated 
may  be  substituted,  or  additional  dances  may 
be  added.  A large  American  flag  required, 
and  flags  of  the  other  Nations  represented  by 
the  dancers.  The  costumes  may  be  made  as 
picturesque  as  desired. 

Musical  and  Dance  Numbers  Suggested. 

First  Number,  sung  by  blind  chorus,  off-stage — 
Lullaby. 


4 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY  5 

Second  Number,  Pilgrim  number  to  the  tune  of 
Oxford. 

Gone  is  now  the  solemn  winter 
Gone  the  famine  and  the  snow 
In  the  forest  like  a promise 
See  the  first  May  flowers  grow. 

Fresh  hope  thrills  us  with  their  coming 
They  too,  braved  the  winter  long ; 

Then  at  Springtime  took  new  leafage — 
Frail  but  steadfast,  small  but  strong. 

Cling  we  thus  to  our  new  country, 

May  we  struggle  and  endure; 

We  have  forfnd  the  land  of  freedom 
And  our  heritage  is  sure.. 

Third  Number,  Yankee  Doodle. 

Fourth  Number,  Betsy  Ross,  sung  to  the  melody 
of  Columbia  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean. 

Bedsy  Ross  lived  on  Arch  street  the  second 
Her  sewing  was  very  very  fine ; 

George  Washington  paid  her  a visit 
"^o  o^'der  a brand  new  flag. 

Six  white  stripes  and  seven  pretty  reH  ones, 
Thirteen  white  stars  in  a field  of  blue ; 

Twas  the  first  flag  our  country  ever  floated 
Three  cheers  for  the  red,  white  and  blue ! 

Repeat  : Three  Cheers  for  the  red,  white  and  blue ! 

Fifth  Number,  My  Country  ’Tis  of  Thee. 

If  desired,  the  following  stanza  may  be  sung 
after  the  hymn.  My  Country : 


6 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


God  bless  our  noble  men, 

Send  them  safe  home  again 
God  bless  our  men, 

Keep  them  victorious,  faithful  and  chival- 
rous ; 

They  are  so  dear  to  us 
God  save  our  men ! 

' r 


' Sixth  Number,  All  Through  the  Night. 

Seventh  Number,  Leady  Kindly  Light. 

Eighth  Number,  America  the  Beautiful. 

Ninth  Number,  Keller’s  American  Hymn. 

Tenth  Number,  The  Star  Spangled  Banner. 

DANCES— REFERENCES 

Dances  of  the  Nations.  “ The  Folk  Dance 
Book  ” — C.  Ward  Compton. , 

English  Dance:  “ Rufty  Tufty” — P.  8. 
French  Dance:  Vineyard  Dance,  P.  6. 
Polish  Dance  : Rovenacka,  P.  72. 

Italian  Dance:  P.  10. 


The  Spirit  Of  Liberty 


SCENE  I 

Scene:  Represents  a children's  nursery  at  bed- 
time, It  should  be  a large  room,  with  the  fam- 
ily group,  mother  and  children,  portraying 
their  scenes  rather  in  the  background,  leaving 
a large,  unobstructed  space  in  the  foreground 
for  the  various  groups,  dances,  etc.  A doorway 
c.  at  the  back,  curtained,  with  interior  backing. 
Wide  openings  on  the  right  and  left  to  permit 
the  groups  to  enter  and^exit  freely.  A pretty 
fable  of  medium  she  on  the  r.  with  a lamp, 
lighted,  shaded.  A rocking  chair  l.  of  table. 
A cot  on  the  R,  zvith  pretty  coverlet  and  pillows; 
another  cot,  exactly  the  same  on  the  l.  The  cots 
are  fairly  well  up  stage — ont  of  the  way.  The 
position  of  the  cots  may  conform  to  the  space 
available.  A picture  of  a young  soldier  hangs 
on  the  R.  wall,  down  stage,  a flag  draped  over 
if.  If  there  is  space,  tzvo  little  chairs  each  with 
a doll  seated  in  it,  may  be  placed  near  the  cots, 
a hobby  horse,  or  large  Teddy  bear,  up  c. 
These  articles  are  not  handled.  Down  c.  a 
zi'hite  pedestal,  low  enough  for  a girl  to  step 
to  easily.  Mother,  attired  in  becoming  negli- 
gee, is  seated  in  the  rocking  chair.  . Pansy, 
the  youngest  child  about  eight  years  old. 
asleep  in  her  arms.  Daisy,  a year  or  so  older, 
7 


8 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


is  reclining  on  the  l.  cot,  while  Lincoln,  the 
hoy,  and  the  eldest,  is  on  the  R.  cot.  The  chil- 
dren are  in  pretty  night  clothing,  the  girls 
wearing  dainty  little  caps.  On  the  table,  a 
letter  lies,  open.  A blind  chorus  ’’  is  stationed 
off-stage,  from  which  point  much  of  the  singing 
is  rendered. 

At  Rise:  The  chorus  is  singing  a hillahy,  softly, 
the  Mother  in  the  rocking  chair,  swaying  gent- 
ly to  the  music,  until  it  dies  away.  Then^ 
Pansy,  in  her  mother's  arms,  stirs. 

Mother.  What  is  it  my  child? 

Pansy.  Mother,  I was  not  asleep.  Won’t  you 
tell  me  why  you  named  me.  Pansy? 

Mother.  Pansy  means  youth. 

Pansy.  Does  everything  mean  something, 
mother  ? 

Mother.  Yes  my*  child,  nothing  was  created 
without  a purpose. 

Daisy.  {Rising  to  a sitting  position  on  couch) 
Mother? 

Lincoln.  (Rising  to  sitting  position  on  couch) 
Mother? 

Mother.  I thought  my  children  were  fast  asleep. 
(Daisy  rises  and  ad.vances  down  to  l.  of  Mother.) 

Daisy.  Will  you  tell  me  what  my  name  means, 
nlother?  (Kneeling  l.  of  Mother) 

(Lincoln  rises  and  advances  doiim  to  r.  of 
. Mother.) 

Mother.  Daisy  is  the  simple  flower  of  the  fields 
which  to  me  signifies,  freedom. 

Lincoln.  I know  what  my  name  means.  (Kneel- 
ing at  R.  of  Mother) 

Mother.  T am  glad  you  understand  my  son. 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY  9 

Lincoln.  Please  read  us  brother’s  letter  again. 

(Mother  picks  up  letter  from  table.) 

Pansy.  Where  is  he,  mother? 

Mother.  (Refej'ring  to  letter)  Your  brother 
is  somewhere  in  France,  my  dear,  fighting  bravely. 

Pansy.  What  is  he  fighting  for?  . 

Daisy.  I know ! Our  country  is  fighting  for 
liberty ! 

Mother.  That  is  true.  The  United  States  has 
always  fought  for  freedom.  The  history  of  our 
great  Country  shines  with  the  purest  light  from  the 
torch  of  Liberty ! 

Pansy.  Please  tell  us  about  it.  Mother. 

Lincoln  and  Daisy.  Yes  Mother,  will  you? 

Mother.  ^ It  was  the  Spirit  of  Liberty  that  first 
induced  the  early  settlers  to  come  to  America.  The 
promise  of  freedom-  here  made  them  willing  to 
brave*  the  perils  of  the  sea  and  face  hunger  and  even 
death  at  the  hands  of  the  wild  Indians.  Thus  it 
was  that  Liberty  came  to  America. 

Pantomime.  In  foreground.  The  family  group 
remains  in  position,  attentive. 

Music  : Gone  is  Now  the  Sole-mn  V/inter.  - 

(Enter  from:  l.  the  first  Liberty,  child  with  fagots ; 
she  advances  slowly  to  c.,  where  she  pauses  and 
turns  tozvard  l.,  slowly  zvaving  a fagot  toward 
L.  Then  she  turns,  and  continues  slowly  to- 
zvard R.  Enter  from  l.  the  settlers,  singing  the 
number.  They  niay  pause  and  sing,  or  move, 
very  slowly  toward  r.  singing,  exit  r..  Liberty- 
leading.  After  the  group  exits  and  the  music 
dies  away,  the  dialogue  is  resumed.) 


10 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


Daisy.  Mother,  what  was  our  first  war  called  ? 

Mother.  The  war  of  our  Independence. 

Lincoln.  What  does  that  mean? 

Mother.  It  means  that  we  were  chained. 

Pansy.  Did  we  have  to  fight  for  freedom? 

Mother.  Yes  my  child,  to  set.  Liberty  free. 

Music  : Yankee  Doodle.  Enter  from  l.  the  sec- 
ond Liberty,  with  head  bowed  ahd  hands 
chained.  She  advances  slowly  to  c.  where  she 
pauses.  Enter  from  l.  the  Spirit  of  1776,  vuhile 
the  blind  chorus  sings^  Yankee  Doodle.  The 
1776  group  arrange  themselves  about  Liberty, 
mid  maintain  positions  until  the  first  stanza 
IS  finished,  As  the  second  stanza  is  reached, 
Liberty  advances  and  steps  on  the  pedestal,  the 
1776  group  moving  a bit  to  R.  or  divide  r.  and 
L.  if  desired.  When  the  music  ceases,  Daisy 
speaks.) 

Daisy.  What  happened  then,  mother? 

Mother.  During  that  struggle,  our  flag  was  born. 

Lincoln.  Who  niade  our  first  flag? 

Mother.  A patriotic  woman. 

Pansy.  What  was  her  name? 

Mother.  Betsy  Ross.  She  was  inspired  to  make 
the  flag  by  General  George  Washington. 

Music:  Betsy  Ross. 

{Enter  Betsy  Ross  from  r.  carrying  flag,  folded; 
she^  advances  to  Liberty  where  she  pauses, 
zvhile  the  chorus  sings,  Betsy  Ross.  Enter 
George  Washington  from  l.  Betsy  moves 
to  R.  of  Liberty,  Washington  advances  to  l. 
of ^ Liberty;  as  the  chorus  szvells,  Liberty 
raises  her  chained  hands,  Washington  breaks 
the  chains,  allowing  them  to  drop,  while  Betsy 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY  ii 

passes  the  flag  to  Washington,  who  unfurls  it, 
waves  it,  then  lays  it  across  Liberty's  shoulder; 
then,  Washington  joins  Betsy  Ross,  they  lead 
the  group,  and,  as  the  chorus  is  continued  all 
move  slowly  off  r.  Liberty  remaining  on 
pedestal.) 

Lincoln.  {Rising,  turning  to  flag  on  r.  wall) 
See  Mother,* red,  white  and  blue!  The  same  then 
as  it  is  now.,  • 

Mother.  America  has  never  changed  her  colors  ! 
Daisy.  What  do  they  mean,  those  beautiful 
colors  ? 

Mother.  Red  stands  for  valor,  white  fgr  purity, 
blue  for  truth.  With  this  banner  as  the  emblem, 
Liberty  grew  so  strong,  she  attracted  to  her  shores 
the  people  of  many  nations. 

Lincoln.  Did  America  ever  give  freedom  to 
any  other  nation? 

Mother.  Yes  my  son.  Twenty  years  ago  we 
fought  to  give  Liberty  to  the  Cuban  people.  . 

Daisy.  Are  they  free  now? 

Mother.  Yes — a free  and  prosperous  people. 

Music:  My  Country  'Tis  of  Thee.  Chorus,  the 
samel 

(Enter  from  l.  a young  girl  in  the  colors  of  Cuba, 
carrying  a Cuban  flag;  a group  of  her  com- 
panions, enters  l.,  while  the  flag  bearer  advances 
to  Liberty,  presents  the  flag,  then  lays  it  at 
the  feet  of  Liberty.  She  crosses  slowly  do  R., 
followed  by  her  companions,  as  chorus  finishes. 
When  she  is  off,  and  the  chorus  diminishes, 
dialogue  is  resumed.) 

Lincoln.  I am  so  glad  that  our  country  could 
make  Cuba  free. 


12 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


Mother.  After  this  war,  we  pray  all  nations 

may  live  at  peace  with  one  another ! 

(Music  for  the  Dances.  During  the  dances^ 
Mother  keeps  her  position,  earnestly  regard- 
ing the  letter  she  holds,  while  the  children  are 
grouped  on  the  ^floor,  at  her  feet.) 

DANCES  OF  THE  NATIONS 

• 

As  the  music  for  each  dance  begins,  a dancer  rep- 
resenting her  nation,  enters  l.  zvith  flag  of  her 
nation.  She  dances  gracefully  forward  to 
Liberty  to  whom  she  presents  her  flag,  then 
she  moves  to  her  position  for  the  dance,  the 
others  having  followed  from  l.  without  delay', 
and  all  proceed  with  the  dance.  When  it  is 
concluded,  they  may  retire  to  the  background, 
zvatching  the  succeeding  number.  If  the  space 
is  too  limited  to  admit  of  this  arrangement, 
each  group,  as  it  finishes,  may  dance  off  r.  and 
remain,  ready  to  re-enter  for  the  finale.  The 
same  action  is  repeated  for  each  dance. 

When  all  the  dances  are  concluded,  and  all  the 
dancers  re-assembled  the  flag  bearers  advance 
to  R.  and  L.  of  Liberty,  and  receive  back,  each 
one  her  National  flag:  During  this  action,  the 
music  is  continued,  and,  if  so  arranged,  the 
blind  chorus  sings  very  softly,  My  Country 
'"Tis  of  Thee.  As  they  reach  the  second  stanza, 
and  the  music  swells,  each  flag  bearer  will  have 
her  flag,,  and  all  will  be  in  position,  for  posing 
— kneel]  turn,  salute  and  wave  flags.  At  the 
end,  they  all  exit  to  r.  and  l.  as  the  music  is 
finished.]  After  all  exit  Mother  rises  and 
speaks. 

Mother.  Rise  my  children,  and  listen!  {The 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


13 


children  rise  and  group  themselves  about  her)  To- 
day, your  brother,  and  millions  of  brothers  fight  to 
win  liberty  for  the  whole  world,  so  that  men,  women 
and  little  children  like  you,  may  enjoy  freedom  and 
happiness  such  as  you  have  always  known. 

Pansy.  Mother,  it  is  like  a beautiful  dream. 
Mother.  It  is  indeed,  but  a true  dream ; and 
now,  it  is  time  for  my  darling  children  to  go  to 
bed  and  dream  in  sleep.  Say  your  prayers,  and  do 
not  forget  our  armies ! 

• 

(Mother  stands  c.  in  reverent  attitude,  the  three 
children  kneel,  with  clasped  hands,  hoy  c.  girls 
each  side.  Music  may  run  through  this  scene, 
very  soft  and  plaintive.) 

Lincoln — 

God  bless  my  brother  gone  to  war 
Across  the  seas  in  France  so  far — 

Pansy — 

Ah!  may  his  fight  for  Liberty 
Save  millions  more  than  little  me 

Daisy — 

From  cruel  fates  and  ruthless  blast, 

And  bring  him  safely  home  at  last. 

{The  chorus ^ sings  softly,  "'All  Through  the 
Night”  while  the  curtains  are  slowly  closed.) 


14 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY 


SCENE  11 

Scene  : Same  as  Scene  I,  the  next  morning.  Lamp 
extinguished,  scene  lighted  brightly.  Lincoln 
is  asleep  .on  his  conch,  Daisy  asleep  on  her 
conch. 

{The  ninsic  of  any  patriotic  number  may  be  nsed 
to  begin;  as  the  music  subsides,^  enter  from  c. 
running  in,  Pansy,  ringing  a small  bell.) 

Pansy.  Wake  up!  Wake  up!  {^Running  to  r. 
couch,  ringing  bell) ^ Sleepy  head!  Wake  up! 
{Rnnning  to  l.  conch  ringing  bell)  Sleepy  head, 
wake  up!  (Pansy  laughs,  while  the  other  chil- 
dren, rnbbinq  their  eyes,  awake) 

Daisy.  Oh,  I had  such  a beautiful  dream 

Pansy.  What  was  it  about?  {To  conch,  sitting 
on  floor,  listening,  while  Daisy  rises  to  sitting  po- 
sition) 

Lincoln.  Tell  us  about  it,  sister.  {Rising,  sit- 
ting on  edge  of  couch) 

Daisy.  I dreamed  that  I was  walking  through 
countries  far  away,  and  they  were  dark  and  lone- 
some. 

Pansy.  Were  you  lonesome  too,  sister? 

Daisy.  Yes,  and  I looked  for  someone  to  play 
with  me,  but  when  I found  the  children,  they  w^ould 
not  play ; they  looked  at  me  sadly,  and  they  were 
cold  and  hungry  and  sick ! 

Pansy.  I am  sorry  for  them! 

Daisy.  So  was  I — it  made  me  sad,  and  I closed 
my  eyes  tight — like  that.  {Illnstrating) 

Lincoln.  Didn’t  you  want  to  see  the  poor  chil- 
dren, ^nd  help  them? 

Daisy.  Oh  yes — then  I felt  warm,  and  a bright 


THE  SPIRIT  OF  LIBERTY  15 

light  seemed  to  be  all  about  me.  Soon  I heard  a 
beautiful  voice  singing. 

Pansy.  What  was  it  singing? 

Daisy!  A hymn  about  freedom.  I v/as  happy 
then,  and  opened  my  eyes.  All  the  children  were 
moving — ^Rising,  advancing  dreamily)  There  was 
a light,  and  they  were  all  going  to  it,  with  out- 
stretched hands ! 

{The  other  children  rise  and  advance.) 

Lincoln.  What  did  you  see  then,  sister? 

Daisy:  I saw  the  statue  of  Liberty,  so  proud, 
so  beautiful,  and  all  the  little  children  were  smiling 
as  they  watched  the  statue,  looking  to  America  to 
bring  them  freedom  and  happiness ! 

Lincoln.  And  we  will  too,  won’t  we  ? 

Pansy.  Of  course  we  will,  brother.  My  teacher 
says  so ! 

Daisy.  And  our  dear  mother  says  so,  and  she 
knows. 

Pansy  and  Lincoln.  {With  confidence)  Oh 
yes,  mother  knows. 

Daisy.  But  we  must  be  very  busy  and  help,  and 
work  and  pray,  so  that  when  the  day  of  victory 
comes,  we  will  feel  proud  of  what  we  have  done ! 

{The  children  clasp  hands  and  bow,  as  they  retire 
a step  lip-stage  and,  later,  find  a suitable  posi- 
tion in  the  final  pictured) 

Music:  Lead  Kindly  Light — not  played  as  a dirge. 
The  Third  Liberty  picks  up  the  music,  start- 
ing singing  ojf  is..  Then  she  enters,  singing  and 
moves  to  the  pedestal,  the  singing  concludes  as 
she  reaches  pedestal,  but  the  music  is  continued,. 
. as  all  the  dancers  enter  after  Liberty,  as  if 
drawn  by  her,  appearing  with  hands  gracefully 


1 6 THE  SPIRIT  QF  LIBERTY 

extended,  and  eyes  on  Liberty.  Flag  bearers 
carry  their  flags,  and  all  group  for  the  next 
musical  number.  Chorus  and  all  sing — Keller's 
American  Hymn.  If  desired,  a flag  drill  may 
be  introduced  here,  or  any  other  suitable  drill 
desired.  For  the  final  picture  arrange  the  dif- 
ferent groups  as  effectively  as  possible,  with 
the  family  group  prominently  placed.  If  a 
short  flag  drill  or  march  is  introduced,  it  can 
be  executed  to  the  music  of  a medley  of  pa- 
triotic and  Southern  melodies.  For  the  final 
number,  everyone  standing,  singing  The  Na- 
tional Anthem,  The  flags  held  high  and  the 
music  and  voices  strong. 


Curtain, 


